Earmarked as a future star early in his studies, Filianoti won a highly coveted two-year scholarship to Milan’s La Scala Academy, where he met his mentor - the legendary lyric tenor Alfredo Kraus. Kraus had a decisive influence in helping the young Filianoti develop his artistic style, technique and virtuosity, which helped him to 2nd prize in the 1999 edition of Placido Domingo’s Operalia; no mean feat in a field acclaimed as one of the strongest to date, including fellow tenors Rolando Villazón and Joseph Calleja.

Filianoti made his first appearance in the UK the following year, making his Royal Opera House debut as Alfredo in La traviata, before subsequent appearances in 2005 in the title role of Donizetti’s Dom Sébastien and as Nemorino in L’elisir d’amore in 2009. Remarkably, in 2007 Filianoti overcame a paralyzed vocal chord which left him unable to sing, following surgery for a cancerous thyroid gland. A testament to his courage, dedication and perseverance, Filianoti has since established himself as a regular at La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera, recently receiving great praise for his haunting portrayal of Tito opposite Elina Garanča in Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito.

‘[Giuseppe Filianoti] soared to virile, commanding form in his elaborate “Se all’impero” aria' New York Post

In this final video, Filianoti’s mellifluous tenor is displayed as he sings Faust’s aria ‘Giunto sul passo estremo’ at the climax of Arrigo Boïto’s Mefistofele, an item also on the programme for his Rosenblatt Recital.

Opera PreludePerformance based opera lectures by professional young singers

For anyone wanting a performer’s-eye view of opera, Opera Prelude is ideal. From Massenet to Mozart, Puccini to Purcell, Opera Prelude lectures cover a broad range of operatic history and performance. We aim to make each class informative, interactive and entertaining, offering singer’s insights illustrated with live performance and well known recordings.

Opera Prelude is delighted to offer the first 10 Rosenblatt Recitals newsletter subscribers to apply a special 2 for 1 ticket offer (places are limited.) To redeem the offer, please telephone 07908 894 333 and mention 'Rosenblatt Recitals'.